As someone who was raised in a family of atheists (and whose father taught high school science), I often find myself standing on the sidelines as hordes of true believers abandon all objectivity and embrace a new technology, a cherished sport, or a form of corporate mythology with gusto.

It's hard to believe that five years have passed since Lady Gaga recorded "Bad Romance." But with the fifth anniversary of the release date of Gaga's album, The Fame Monster, on October 26, 2014 it's interesting to note the song's impact on popular culture.

Two new productions focus on what happens when the status quo (based on assumptions that rest on a foundation of male privilege) is undermined by women who are more intelligent, more complex, more aggressive and better at what they do than certain men in their lives.

Marilee can be terribly funny on the subject of her infertility. But there is more to this staging than finding comedy in the human condition. Above all, Marilee's performance reminds us of the power of ritual -- both positive and destructive.

I was intrigued by Symmetry Theatre's claim that fewer good roles are written for women, I found myself wondering if people might not be aware of the variety of plays that do indeed have meaty roles for female characters.